Got a old heat pump thats costing you heaps to run? Your not alone. I was at a house in Spreydon last week where the owners were spending over 300 bucks a month on power in winter. Their heat pump was from 2008 and it struggled to keep the lounge warm. They kept thinking about replacing it but the cost put them off until they heard about our trade-in program.
See the thing is old heat pumps use way more power than new ones. Technology has gotten better and the efficiency improvements are massive. A heat pump from 10 or 15 years ago might use twice as much electricity as a brand new model to produce the same amount of heat. Thats money down the drain every single month.
How The Trade-In Program Actually Works
So what is a heat pump trade-in anyway? Its pretty simple really. You got a old heat pump we take it away and give you money off a new one. The better condition your old unit is in the more trade-in value you get.
We come out and look at your existing heat pump. Check what brand it is, how old, if its still working, what condition the indoor and outdoor units are in. Then we give you a trade-in value that comes off the price of your new heat pump installation.
Even if your old heat pump is completely rooted we still take it and give you something for it. Why? Because we dispose of it properly instead of it ending up in a landfill. The refrigerant gets recovered safely, metals get recycled, components get reused where possible.
Had a customer in Redwood with a ancient Mitsubishi from 2005. Thing barely worked anymore and made weird noises. He thought it was worthless but we gave him 200 bucks trade-in value plus we handled all the removal and disposal. That 200 dollars came straight off his new installation cost.
Why You Should Upgrade Your Old Heat Pump
Alright so why bother upgrading? If your heat pump still works why spend money on a new one? Fair question and heres the honest answer.
Old heat pumps are power hogs. A typical heat pump from 2010 might have a efficiency rating of 3.5 or 4. Modern heat pumps are hitting 5.5 to 6.5 or even higher. That means for every dollar you spend on electricity your getting way more heat out of it.
Do the math on a Christchurch winter where your running heating every day. Old heat pump might cost you 250-300 a month. New efficient one might only cost 150-180 for the same amount of heating. Thats 100 bucks a month saved, over 1000 dollars a year. In five years the new heat pump has basically paid for itself through power savings.
We did a upgrade for a family in Merivale who were sick of high power bills. Their old Fujitsu from 2009 was working fine but using heaps of power. We traded it in and installed a new inverter model. First power bill after installation they saved 90 dollars compared to the same month last year. They were stoked.
New heat pumps also heat better. They got better airflow, they distribute heat more evenly, they work in colder temperatures. Old heat pumps struggle when it gets below 5 degrees outside. New ones keep pumping out heat even when its freezing.
What Makes New Heat Pumps Better
Technology has come a long way in the last 10-15 years. New heat pumps got features that didnt even exist when your old one was made.
Inverter technology is the big one. Old heat pumps were on/off - they ran full blast then shut off completely. Inverters adjust their speed continuously so they only use the power they need. Way more efficient and way more comfortable too because temperature stays consistent.
WiFi control is standard now. You can turn your heat pump on from your phone before you get home. Set schedules so it warms up the house before you wake up. Monitor how much power its using. All this stuff helps you save money and stay comfortable.
Air quality features are way better too. Modern heat pumps got better filters that catch dust and allergens. Some got built-in dehumidifiers for summer. Plasma filters that kill bacteria. Your breathing cleaner air while staying warm.
Noise levels have improved heaps. Old outdoor units sounded like a jet engine. New ones are whisper quiet - you barely know theyre running. Good if you got neighbors close by or if the outdoor unit is near a bedroom window.
Energy Star Ratings Explained
When your shopping for a new heat pump youll see energy star ratings. More stars means more efficient which means lower power bills.
A 3 star heat pump is pretty basic. It works but its not saving you much money. A 5 or 6 star model costs more upfront but the power savings add up quick. Over the life of the heat pump you come out way ahead.
We always recommend going with at least a 5 star model if your budget allows. The difference in running costs between a 3 star and a 6 star can be 40-50% which is massive when your running it every day through winter.
Customer in Cashmere was tossing up between a cheap 3 star unit and a more expensive 6 star model. We showed her the numbers - the 6 star would save her about 80 bucks a month in power. Extra cost upfront was 800 dollars so it paid for itself in 10 months. No brainer really.
What Your Old Heat Pump Is Worth
People always ask what their old heat pump is worth. Hard to say without seeing it but heres some general guidelines.
Working heat pump thats less than 10 years old in good condition - 300 to 500 dollars trade-in value depending on brand and size. Premium brands like Mitsubishi or Daikin hold value better than cheap Chinese brands.
Heat pump thats 10-15 years old but still functioning - 150 to 300 dollars. Its getting old and efficiency is poor but it still has some value.
Really old heat pump over 15 years or one thats broken - 50 to 150 dollars. Mostly we are giving you value for the scrap metal and safe disposal rather than the unit itself.
Brand matters too. A old Mitsubishi or Panasonic is worth more than a no-name brand because the components are better quality and last longer. We can often refurbish and resell better brands where cheap ones just get scrapped.
Did a trade-in in Fendalton where the customer had a 2012 Daikin that was still going strong. Unit was well maintained and in excellent condition. We gave them 450 dollars for it which they put towards a new bigger Daikin model for their renovated lounge.
The Installation Process For Trade-Ins
So how does the actual swap work? We make it as easy as possible cause we know people dont wanna be without heating for days.
First we come do a free assessment. We look at your old heat pump, measure up for the new one, check your electrical supply, figure out if we can use the existing mounting brackets and pipe runs or if we need new ones.
We give you a quote that includes everything - new heat pump, installation, removal and disposal of the old unit, any electrical work needed, and your trade-in value already deducted. No hidden costs or surprises.
On installation day we usually start first thing in the morning. We take down the old indoor unit, disconnect the outdoor unit, recover the refrigerant properly. Then we install the new system, test everything, show you how to use it. Most jobs are done same day.
Your old heat pump gets loaded on our truck and taken away for proper disposal. Refrigerant goes to a licensed facility, metals get recycled, plastics get sorted. We handle all of it so you dont have to worry about anything.
Had a job in Northwood where we swapped a 2009 Fujitsu for a new Mitsubishi. Took the old one down at 8am, new one was up and running by 2pm. Customer didnt even miss a night of heating cause we got it done so quick.
Choosing The Right Size Heat Pump
Biggest mistake people make is getting the wrong size heat pump. Too small and it wont heat your space properly. Too big and it costs more than you need and runs inefficiently.
Size is measured in kW - kilowatts of heating capacity. A small bedroom might only need 2.5 kW. A big open plan lounge might need 7 or 8 kW. We measure your room, check ceiling height, insulation, windows, all that stuff to figure out the right size.
Dont just replace your old heat pump with the same size. Your house might have changed - better insulation, new windows, different layout. Plus heat pump sizing has gotten more accurate over the years. What was recommended 10 years ago might not be right anymore.
We did a upgrade in Sumner where the customer had a 5 kW unit struggling to heat their lounge. Turned out they needed a 7 kW for that space. The old installer had undersized it and they'd been cold for years. New properly sized unit made a huge difference.
Going too big is wasteful too. If you got a 8 kW heat pump in a small bedroom its gonna cost more to buy and more to run and it wont even work as well because it cycles on and off too much. Right sizing matters.
Financing Options For Heat Pump Upgrades
Yeah new heat pumps cost money. A decent system installed is anywhere from 2500 to 5000 bucks depending on size and features. Thats a lot upfront even with trade-in value.
Good news is most suppliers offer payment plans. Interest free for 6 or 12 months is common. Means you can spread the cost out and start saving on power bills right away.
Some power companies offer heat pump rebates too. Check with your provider - you might get a few hundred dollars back for upgrading to a efficient model. Every bit helps.
We worked with a couple in Papanui on a tight budget. They wanted to upgrade but couldnt afford the full cost upfront. We set them up with a 12 month interest free plan through the supplier. After trade-in value their payments were 180 a month and they were saving 90 a month on power. Only cost them 90 bucks a month net and after a year they owned it outright.
Think of it as a investment not a expense. Your paying for something that saves you money every month and adds value to your house. Way better than spending money on takeaways or stuff that depreciates.
Environmental Benefits Of Upgrading
Upgrading your heat pump aint just about saving money its better for the environment too. Old inefficient heat pumps use heaps of electricity which means more coal and gas getting burned at power plants.
New efficient heat pumps use less power so they reduce your carbon footprint. Plus when we dispose of old units properly the refrigerant dosnt escape into the atmosphere. Old refrigerants are greenhouse gases way worse than CO2.
Heat pumps are already one of the most environmentally friendly heating options. Way better than burning wood or coal or diesel. But a efficient heat pump is even better cause it needs less electricity to do the same job.
Customer in Lyttelton was big on sustainability. She had a old heat pump and was thinking about replacing it with a wood burner because she thought that was more eco friendly. We showed her the numbers - a new efficient heat pump actually has a lower carbon footprint than burning wood when you factor in the smoke and particulates. She went with the heat pump and feels good about the choice.
Best Time To Upgrade Your Heat Pump
People usually think about heat pumps in winter when theyre cold. But thats actually not the best time to upgrade.
Spring or autumn is ideal. Weathers mild so your not desperate for heating. Installers are less busy so we can get to you quicker. And you got time to get comfortable with the new system before winter hits hard.
Waiting til your heat pump dies in the middle of winter means your scrambling for a replacement and you dont have time to shop around or wait for the best deal. Plus we are flat out busy in winter so you might wait a week or more for installation.
That said if your heat pump is struggling or costing you heaps in power dont wait. Getting it done now even if its winter means you start saving money immediately. And you wont be sitting in a cold house wishing you'd upgraded sooner.
Did a emergency replacement in Bishopdale last July. Heat pump died overnight and the family had two young kids. We got a new unit installed within 36 hours because we happened to have stock but that was lucky. Better to plan ahead than hope for luck.
Common Questions About Trade-Ins
People ask us the same questions all the time about the trade-in program so lets cover the main ones.
Can I trade in a broken heat pump? Yes. Even if it dosnt work anymore we take it and give you disposal credit. Better than having to pay someone to remove it.
Do I have to buy the same brand? Nope. You can trade in any brand and buy any brand. We work with all the major suppliers so you got options.
What if I just want the old one removed and dont want a new one? We can do that too but without a new installation the removal fee is higher. Trade-in value only applies when your getting a new system installed.
Can I install the new heat pump myself? No. Heat pump installation requires a licensed refrigeration technician. DIY installation voids the warranty and is illegal. Plus you could damage the unit or create safety hazards.
How long does the new heat pump warranty last? Depends on brand but usually 5-7 years on parts and 1 year on labor. Premium brands sometimes offer longer warranties. We go through all this when we quote.
Maintaining Your New Heat Pump
Once you got a new heat pump you wanna keep it running good. Regular maintenance makes it last longer and keeps it efficient.
Clean the filters every month or two. Just take them out rinse under the tap let them dry and put them back. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make the heat pump work harder which costs more power.
Get a professional service once a year. We check the refrigerant levels, clean the coils, test all the components, make sure everythings working right. Catches problems early before they become expensive repairs.
Keep the outdoor unit clear. Dont let leaves or grass clippings build up around it. Make sure theres good airflow and nothings blocking the fan. Takes two minutes to check but makes a difference to performance.
We offer maintenance contracts where we come service your heat pump annually. Send you a reminder when its due, do the full service, replace filters if needed. Takes the hassle out of remembering to do it yourself.
Real Savings From Real Customers
Numbers are great but lets talk about actual people who upgraded through our trade-in program and what they saved.
Family in Avonhead had a 2008 heat pump. Power bills in winter were 320-350 a month. Traded it in got a new 6 star Panasonic installed. Next winter their bills were 180-200 a month. Saving over 1500 dollars a year. System paid for itself in under three years.
Retired couple in Ilam had a ancient unit from 2006 that barely worked. They were using two bar heaters to supplement it which was costing them a fortune. Upgraded to a modern Mitsubishi. Not only warmer and more comfortable but power bill dropped by 60% in winter. Wish they'd done it years ago they said.
Young family in Hornby struggling with power costs. Old heat pump plus trying to heat with the range. We did a trade-in and installed a new system sized properly for their open plan living area. Their power company actually called them to ask if they'd moved house because the usage drop was so big.
These are real people not made up stories. Heat pump upgrades genuinely save money and the trade-in program makes it more affordable to do.
How To Get Started With A Trade-In
Ready to upgrade your old heat pump? Heres how to get the ball rolling.
Give us a call and tell us about your current heat pump. What brand, how old, is it working ok or having problems. We can give you a rough idea of trade-in value over the phone.
We come out for a free assessment. Look at your setup, measure the space, discuss what you need. We explain your options and give you a detailed quote with trade-in value included.
No pressure to decide right away. Take your time, think about it, compare with other quotes if you want. When your ready we book in a installation date.
On the day we do everything - remove old, install new, test, clean up, show you how to use it. You go from old inefficient heat pump to brand new system in one day.
And we handle all the disposal and recycling so you dont have to think about what happens to the old unit. Its all included in the price.
Why Choose WeDo For Heat Pump Trade-Ins
We do heat pump installations and trade-ins all over Christchurch. Done hundreds of upgrades for people wanting better heating and lower power bills.
We work with all the major brands so we can recommend what actually suits your situation not just push whatever we got in stock. Mitsubishi, Daikin, Panasonic, Fujitsu - we install them all.
Our installers are fully licensed refrigeration technicians. Heat pump installation aint something you want done by someone whos not qualified. Proper installation matters for efficiency, reliability, and safety.
Fair trade-in values and transparent pricing. We tell you exactly what your old unit is worth and exactly what the new installation will cost. No hidden fees or surprises on the day.
Give us a call and lets talk about upgrading your heat pump. Whether your old ones struggling or just costing you too much to run we can help you find a better solution. And with our trade-in program its more affordable than you think.